David R. Ellis Obituary

David R. Ellis, the actor-turned-stuntman-turned-director of "Snakes on a Plane," has died. He was 60 years old.

Ellis' manager, David Gardner, confirmed the director's death Monday and said Ellis' body was found in a hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ellis was in Johannesburg working on "Kite," a remake of the 1998 Japanese anime film that was to have starred "Snakes on a Plane" actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Gardner declined to provide additional details, and no cause of death has been released.

"So sad to hear of David R. Ellis passing!" Jackson tweeted on Monday. "So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He'll be missed. Gone too soon!"

Ellis' directing credits include "Shark Night 3D," "The Final Destination," "Cellular" and "Final Destination 2." He also worked on such films as "Misery," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Waterworld." Ellis began his Hollywood career as an actor in the 1970s before moving into stunts and directing.

David R. Ellis, the actor-turned-stuntman-turned-director of "Snakes on a Plane," has died. He was 60 years old.

Ellis' manager, David Gardner, confirmed the director's death Monday and said Ellis' body was found in a hotel room in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ellis was in Johannesburg working on "Kite," a remake of the 1998 Japanese anime film that was to have starred "Snakes on a Plane" actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Gardner declined to provide additional details, and no cause of death has been released.

"So sad to hear of David R. Ellis passing!" Jackson tweeted on Monday. "So talented, so kind, such a Good Friend. He'll be missed. Gone too soon!"

Ellis' directing credits include "Shark Night 3D," "The Final Destination," "Cellular" and "Final Destination 2." He also worked on such films as "Misery," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and "Waterworld." Ellis began his Hollywood career as an actor in the 1970s before moving into stunts and directing.

Guest Book Highlights

"I had the immense pleasure of working with "Super Dave" on Ironwill. I cannot believe he is gone. He was the most fit, handsome, nicest directors I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I'm terribly sorry to his family for their loss. He..."

"Jesus Christ died so that we may have life eternal"

"Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always."- Flora Noel (Fordoche, LA)

"Very sweet man with a lovely wife who had the pleasure to meet all ways in my heart as you called me ms sunshine"- Patricia White (Boston, MA)

"So sorry for the family. You must have had great times together,remember those and comfort each other with the fun memories. May Mr. Ellis rest in peace."- lindsey (IL)